Houston Dash sign Brazilian midfielder Andressa

The Houston Dash have signed Brazilian midfielder Andressa, the club announced today. Per club and league policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Andressa, 20, started all four matches for Brazil at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She tallied an assist in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica to close out the group stage, and was named Player of the Match. Most recently, Andressa started all five matches at the Pan American Games in Toronto as Brazil claimed the gold medal.

“I think we’ve signed one of the up-and-coming stars of the game out of Brazil,” Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. “With her we’ve added a really, really talented young player that already has a wealth of experience at the international level. Like with all of our other international players, it’s just a matter of how quickly she can adapt to the American game.”

The midfielder has 21 caps and scored one goal at the senior international level. Andressa was a mainstay for Brazil’s youth national teams, starting all four matches as a 15-year-old in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and then captaining the team at the 2012 U-17 Women’s World Cup and the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup.

A native of Roque Gonzales, Brazil, Andressa played her club soccer for Kindermann in Brazil alongside Dash teammate Camila. In league and cup competions from 2012-14, Andressa appeared in 28 matches (26 starts) and scored 10 goals.

In a corresponding move to make room on the 20-player roster, defender Carleigh Williams has been waived. Williams, a fourth-round draft pick (No. 31 overall) at the 2015 NWSL College Draft, made two appearances (one start) for the Dash this season.

Andressa is clear to play for Houston’s next match, this Wednesday vs. FC Kansas City at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets for the match start at just $15 and can be purchased at HoustonDashSoccer.com or by calling (713) 276-GOAL.